Lake Como
Lake Como appeared beneath the afternoon sun like something painted rather than real. Sofia watched villas climb the hillsides while the water reflected the mountains in long silver streaks, and for several minutes she forgot about Monaco, Sovereign, and the cameras that seemed to follow her everywhere. Lucien noticed her expression and said his grandmother had chosen the estate because she believed beautiful places made difficult conversations easier. Sofia replied that beautiful places could also hide ugly histories, which made him laugh.
The Vantari estate stood above the lake behind stone walls and ancient cypress trees. Sofia had expected something imposing, but the house felt warmer than she imagined, with open windows, flowers spilling from balconies, and servants moving
